Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Target Tornado! [1994] chronicles several noteworthy significant tornado events from the 20th century, the evolution of tornado motion picture film and video and the first operational year for NOAA's Project VORTEX. The program incorporated many of the films, videos and decades of research collected, preserved and published by tornado historian Tom Grazulis; the first national broadcast television special to provide exposure to The Tornado Project. Tornado survivor stories include now rare interviews with survivors of the March 18, 1925 tri-state tornado, and a 20th anniversary follow up with survivors of the April 3, 1974 Xenia, Ohio tornado.
By far, this program was one of if not the best nationally broadcast feature on tornado history, historical tornado videos and research in the 1990's, nor did it rely on hyperbole or shock value to retain viewers. The special was also offered for sale on VHS home video in the 1990's.
In a similar vein to the 1985 PBS NOVA Tornado! documentary that is also available on this channel, the second half of this program showcases efforts by meteorologists and storm chasers during the rather lackluster season for Project VORTEX 1994. Regardless of the lack of tornadoes, the segment offered some enjoyable insight into the largest field operation for tornado research of the era.
'Target Tornado' was part of a series of tornado and severe weather themed programs produced by The Weather Channel that commenced in 1992 and concluded in 1996. Those included 'The Enemy Wind' [1992], 'Storm Chaser: Warren Faidley' [1992, 1996], 'Target Tornado' [1994], 'The Chase' [1995], 'Tornadoes '95 [1996], 'Five Great Weather Disasters' [1996] and 'Tornado Chase '96 [1996]. The show also generated interest in the first national 'storm chaser conference' sponsored and held by The Weather Channel in March 1995.
This is the original September 25, 1994 cable broadcast as recorded, complete with local forecasts from the Kalamazoo, Michigan region; commercials and a tropical weather segment that follows the show.
Target Tornado © 1994 The Weather Channel, All Rights Reserved.
Target Tornado! [1994] chronicles several noteworthy significant tornado events from the 20th century, the evolution of tornado motion picture film and video and the first operational year for NOAA's Project VORTEX. The program incorporated many of the films, videos and decades of research collected, preserved and published by tornado historian Tom Grazulis; the first national broadcast television special to provide exposure to The Tornado Project. Tornado survivor stories include now rare interviews with survivors of the March 18, 1925 tri-state tornado, and a 20th anniversary follow up with survivors of the April 3, 1974 Xenia, Ohio tornado.
By far, this program was one of if not the best nationally broadcast feature on tornado history, historical tornado videos and research in the 1990's, nor did it rely on hyperbole or shock value to retain viewers. The special was also offered for sale on VHS home video in the 1990's.
In a similar vein to the 1985 PBS NOVA Tornado! documentary that is also available on this channel, the second half of this program showcases efforts by meteorologists and storm chasers during the rather lackluster season for Project VORTEX 1994. Regardless of the lack of tornadoes, the segment offered some enjoyable insight into the largest field operation for tornado research of the era.
'Target Tornado' was part of a series of tornado and severe weather themed programs produced by The Weather Channel that commenced in 1992 and concluded in 1996. Those included 'The Enemy Wind' [1992], 'Storm Chaser: Warren Faidley' [1992, 1996], 'Target Tornado' [1994], 'The Chase' [1995], 'Tornadoes '95 [1996], 'Five Great Weather Disasters' [1996] and 'Tornado Chase '96 [1996]. The show also generated interest in the first national 'storm chaser conference' sponsored and held by The Weather Channel in March 1995.
This is the original September 25, 1994 cable broadcast as recorded, complete with local forecasts from the Kalamazoo, Michigan region; commercials and a tropical weather segment that follows the show.
Target Tornado © 1994 The Weather Channel, All Rights Reserved.
